Festival DANCE
HOMME | ANIMAL
Electrifying dance explores the animal inside us T he animal in us all is topic du jour at
this year’s Fringe, from Circa’s irreverent toying with bunny heads in Beyond, to Czech choreographer Lenka Vagnerová’s untamed she-wolf La Loba. In Homme | Animal, from US-born choreographer Vendetta Mathea, the exploration is more cerebral and instinctive, as she digs deep into her dancers’ bodies to dredge up movement that connects us to beasts while raising us above them in dexterity and style. come pulsing onto the stage that the drama begins to ratchet up. Hardened earthy voices and beats anchor a fierce ritualistic dance, shifting into patterns of Zen-like focus, and out again into strong calligraphic shapes. Mathea herself sits at the sidelines, punctuating the movement with unearthly calls, yips and sobs. The most exciting and unpredictable solos come from Link Berthomieux, who flicks himself into knots and swirls with shades of Carlos Acosta’s fiery quickness.
From the moment Mathea appears onstage – curving gentle patterns with her legs, arms light as blown feathers – it is clear this is going to be an electrifying hour. Swooping, unfurling, she plays upon her body with the spontaneity of a musician, melting into the timbre of the score’s lone stringed instrument. But it is when the rest of the four-strong cast
The final third might benefit from editing, but this bold and thrilling piece is exactly what late-night Fringe dance should be. (Lucy Ribchester) Greenside @ Nicolson Square, 618 6967, until 23 Aug (not 10, 17), 11.05pm (11–16 Aug, 9.55pm), £8 (£6). ●●●●●
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HITLIST THE BEST DANCE EVENTS
✽ Inala Rambert’s artistic director Mark Baldwin choreographs this new work fusing ballet and contemporary dance, with live music from Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Playhouse, 473 2000 , 10–12 Aug, 8pm, £10–£32.
✽ Circa: Beyond Incredible feats of strength matched with beauty and
grace in this 5-star show from the acclaimed Australian circus troupe. See review, page 62. Underbelly, Bristo Square, 0844 545 8252, until 25 Aug (not 12, 20), 7pm, £16.50–£18.50 (£15.50–£17.50).
✽ This is Brasil – The
Show Live music, dance, football and film come together in this authentic ray of Brazilian sunshine. See
review, page 62. Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, until 25 Aug (not 12), 8pm, £13.50–£17 (£11–£15).
✽ Eowyn Emerald and Dancers Technical virtuosity and energetic choreography combine in this engaging mixed bill. See review, page 63. Greenside @ Royal Terrace, 557 2124, until 16 Aug (not 10), 1.50pm, £8 (£6).
✽ Homme | Animal Exciting and unpredictable dance from US-born
choreographer Vendetta Mathea, exploring the animal in all of us. See review, left. Greenside @ Nicolson Square, 618 6967, until 23 Aug (not 10, 17), 11.05pm (11–16 Aug, 9.55pm), £8 (£6).
7–14 Aug 2014 THE LIST FESTIVAL 59